Tuesday 7th to Tuesday 14th October 2025

Scotland is rightly proud of its reputation for its wonderful natural larder and those who produce mouth-watering creations. Join Hebridean Princess on this gastronomic voyage as we explore the culinary offerings of the Highlands and Islands.

Tuesday 7th October

Guests were piped aboard in Oban and we set sail for our overnight anchorage in Loch na Mile off the Isle of Jura.

Wednesday 8th October

After breakfast, guests went ashore at Port Ellen on the Whisky Isle of Islay, for a morning tour and tasting at Laphroaig Distillery, famous for its peaty malts.

Onwards to the Isle of Colonsay after lunch, where guests enjoyed Andrew Abraham’s talk and tasting of the Colonsay Oysters and honey in the village hall.

We anchored overnight in the Sound of Mull.

Thursday 9th October

Our morning port of call was Glenmore Bay for a visit to Ardnamurchan Distillery for a tour.

During lunch we sailed to Inverie for afternoon walks ashore and refreshments at mainland Britian’s most remote pub, The Old Forge.

We arrived and berthed alongside in Kyle of Lochalsh late this evening where we remained overnight.

Friday 10th October

Ahead of lunch at Kinloch Lodge, guests embarked on a tour of the south of Skye, including Sligachan.

We spent the late afternoon cruising on passage to our overnight anchorage off Portree, Skye.

Saturday 11th October

From Portree tomorrow, guests visited Dunvegan Castle before savouring lunch at the Three Chimneys.

We berthed alongside in Kyle of Lochlash this evening where we remained overnight. Entertainment was provided in the Lounge after dinner.

Sunday 12th October

Guests spent the morning relaxing on board as we cruised Kyle Rhea, the Sound of Sleat, past the Small Isles and rounding the Ardnamurchan Peninsula on passage towards the Isle of Mull.

We berthed alongside in Tobermory after lunch for the afternoon tour of the Isle of Mull Cheese Farm.

We anchored overnight in Tobermory Bay.

Monday 13th October

This morning we landed ashore on the Isle of Eriska. After refreshing walks in the grounds, guests enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Isle of Eriska Hotel.

Sailing into Craignure, Isle of Mull, in the early evening, our culinary adventure concluded with a Champagne Reception at Duart Castle, hosted by the current clan chief, Sir Lachlan MacLean.

We berthed alongside in Oban overnight.

Tuesday 14th October

Guests refelcted on their culinary journey as they disembarked in Oban and travelled home. We hope they have all relished the warmth of Scottish hospitality and delicious local produce they have experienced.

Marilyn Hunter, Guide, composed the poem below about this cruise:

TASTE OF THE HEBRIDES – October 2025


49 strangers came together in Oban to embark on our cruise,
Sailing away from busy lives, the traffic and the news.
From the Old World, the New World and Europe we came;
To sample the finest Scottish fayre was our aim.
We thank our onboard chefs for magnificent meats offshore;
Then we went to land to sample some more.
Oysters, honey, cheese were explained on the isles,
And we were sailing through very beautiful. kyl.es.
Fine autumn colours, seascapes of everchanging tight:
We stood on deck and marvelled; then it was time for another bite!
Dolphins played around our ship – and was that a whale?
Oh, and here’s another glass of champagne as we sail.
Time to visit a castle, a distillery, for a scenic drive on the isle of Skye;
Ancient mountains, sparkling lochs ad wee white crofts passing by.
3 lunches ashore – Kinloch Lodge, 3 Chimneys, Eriska – each an interesting place
We wondered if in our tummies for food there was left any space!
We’ve sampled fine wines, and ate at the Old Forge in lnverie.
Thank you, Sir Lachlan, for our reception at Duart Castle by the sea.
How can we thank this kindest and magnificent crew?
Our lovely journey is not possible without all of you.
Now, dear guests, in your finest of dress,
It’s time to say ‘Farewell’ to our Hebridean Princess.
We’ve been in a fine and special bubble, enriched by friendship, food and wine;
Why not come back and join our lovely ship another time?